Olympus OM-D E-M10 II vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5: An Expert’s In-Depth Comparison

When deciding on the right camera for your photography journey, understanding what sets models apart in real-world use is essential. Today, we’re putting two fairly distinct cameras under the microscope: the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II, a micro four thirds mirrorless favorite announced in 2015, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5, a more compact ultracompact budget option from 2011. They cater to very different users, but both still have their merits - and in this comprehensive analysis, we’ll untangle their strengths, weaknesses, and best use cases.

Whether you’re a beginner stepping up your photography game, a traveler looking for a versatile everyday camera, or even someone seeking a backup for professional shoots, this detailed breakdown will help you choose wisely.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Build

Right out of the gate, these two cameras couldn’t be more different in size and handling style.

• The Olympus E-M10 II is a compact mirrorless camera with an SLR-style body. Despite its small footprint, it offers a comfortable grip, well-placed controls, and a solid feel.
• The Panasonic FP5 is pocket-friendly, extremely lightweight, and minimalist in design, perfect for effortless portability but sacrificing manual control and intuitive handling.

Take a look at how they stack up physically:

Here’s what the numbers and feel tell us:

The E-M10 II’s size and grip make it more suitable for longer shooting sessions and various lens options, offering the tactile reassurance many photographers appreciate. The FP5’s ultra-compactness is ideal for casual shooters or travelers prioritizing light pack weight.

Design and Control Layout: How Do They Feel in Your Hands?

Using a camera regularly means quickly accessing key controls and understanding the ergonomic flow. Let’s inspect the top control layouts to better grasp each camera’s usability.

Olympus E-M10 II:

• Dedicated dials for mode selection, exposure compensation, and shutter speed
• Clearly assigned buttons for ISO, drive mode, and function (Fn)
• A tilting mode dial and a shutter button with good tactile feedback
• Excellent access to manual exposure modes

Panasonic FP5:

• Very limited physical controls typical of point-and-shoot cameras
• Most settings adjusted via touchscreen menus
• No dedicated dials for aperture or shutter speeds; no PASM modes
• Smaller buttons and a less intuitive layout for photographers accustomed to more control

If you appreciate direct access to photographic controls to fine-tune exposures or switch quickly between modes, the E-M10 II clearly shines here. The FP5 keeps things simple, which matches its ultra-compact, snapshot-oriented philosophy but might frustrate those seeking deeper manual control.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Resolution: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor technology governs the image quality potential, and this is where these cameras differ most dramatically.

*DXOMark scores reflect measured sensor performance on metrics like dynamic range, color depth, and ISO sensitivity.

Image Detail and Dynamic Range

The E-M10 II’s larger Four Thirds sensor provides superior dynamic range and richer color depth, which translates into images with more detail in shadows and highlights. This is crucial for landscape and portrait photographers who want leeway in post-processing.

Conversely, the FP5’s smaller sensor size limits dynamic range and low-light performance. The CCD sensor technology, while capable of decent daytime shots, struggles in shadows and high contrast scenes with visible noise creeping in at moderate ISOs.

ISO Performance and Noise Control

The E-M10 II impresses with ISO up to 25600, though noise becomes noticeable past ISO 3200. That said, its 5-axis sensor stabilization helps reduce blur, allowing you to shoot at lower ISOs in dim light.

The FP5 maxes out at ISO 6400 but with noticeably degraded image quality above ISO 400. Its optical image stabilization helps, but limitations of sensor size and processor mean challenging low light shots.

Color Depth and Image Fidelity

Olympus’s TruePic VII processor and native RAW shooting support enable richer color reproduction and finer tonal gradients, which serious photographers value for portraits and landscapes.

FP5 outputs JPEG-only images, processed in-camera with limited user control. Colors are less nuanced, though adequate for Instagram shares and casual family snapshots.

LCD Screen, Viewfinder, and User Interface

Display quality affects framing accuracy and reviewing your shots effectively, especially outside.

The E-M10 II’s tilting high-res touchscreen and bright electronic viewfinder are big pluses. The viewfinder allows shooting in bright sun without glare, crucial for composition accuracy.

The FP5’s fixed, low-res LCD struggles under harsh sunlight and offers no EVF, which hampers precision. You’ll rely heavily on the LCD with limited detail to verify focus and exposure.

From a UI perspective, Olympus offers a traditional, intuitive interface with physical controls plus a responsive touchscreen. Panasonic’s menu-driven interface on FP5 is touchscreen-friendly but simplified, lacking customization options.

Autofocus, Burst Shooting, and Focus Modes: Speed and Precision

Autofocus technology determines how reliably and swiftly a camera locks focus - key for active photography genres such as sports and wildlife.

The E-M10 II features a robust contrast-detection autofocus system with 81 focusing points and face detection, enabling decent tracking and quick lock-on performance. Continuous AF works well during burst shooting, making it better suited for capturing fleeting moments.

The FP5 employs a simpler AF system with only 11 points, lacking continuous AF. Tracking moving subjects is limited, so it’s more suitable for static subjects or controlled environments.

This difference matters most in wildlife and sports photography, where fast, reliable focus can make or break the shot.

Lens Compatibility and Image Stabilization

One of the biggest advantages of the Olympus system lies in its Micro Four Thirds mount - arguably the most versatile mirrorless ecosystem.

• Olympus E-M10 II supports over 100 MFT lenses from Olympus and Panasonic, ranging from ultraspeed primes to super telephoto zooms.
• Sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization works across lenses to reduce blur and enable shooting handheld in lower light.
• You can pair the OM-D with adapted lenses from other mounts, expanding creative options further.

In contrast, the Panasonic FP5 has a fixed 35–140mm equivalent lens (f/3.5–5.9) with optical image stabilization but no ability to change or upgrade lenses.

For photographers ready to explore creative depth of field, specialized focal lengths, or macro options, the Olympus’s lens ecosystem offers unmatched flexibility.

Battery Life and Connectivity Features

Battery life impacts how long you can shoot in the field without interruptions.

The E-M10 II offers better endurance and wireless features, including Wi-Fi for easy image transfers and remote control apps - benefiting both casual shooters and professionals.

The FP5 lacks wireless connectivity and HDMI output, reinforcing its simpler point-and-shoot design with less emphasis on image sharing or advanced workflows.

Video Capabilities: Which Is Better for Moving Images?

If shooting video is part of your creative goals, this comparison is important.

The Olympus offers Full HD 60fps video, producing smooth, high-quality content suitable for casual filmmaking, vlogging, or tutorials. The integrated 5-axis stabilization helps steady handheld footage.

Panasonic’s FP5 tops out at 720p 30fps video, a standard barely meeting modern casual use. Lack of mic input limits audio quality options.

For serious video work or hybrid shooters, the E-M10 II’s capabilities clearly stand out.

Specialized Photography Genres: How Do They Perform?

Understanding how each camera handles core photography genres helps match your needs.

Portraits

• E-M10 II’s larger sensor, richer colors, and 5-axis IBIS enable beautiful skin tones and creamy bokeh with select lenses.
• Advanced face-detection AF ensures sharpness on the eyes.
• FP5’s smaller sensor and limited lens aperture produce flatter backgrounds and less subject isolation.

Landscape

• Olympus’s dynamic range and resolution capture sweeping vistas with impressive detail.
• Weather sealing is absent but handling comfort allows longer outings.
• FP5’s limited dynamic range and lower resolution mean less flexibility for landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports

• The OM-D’s faster burst speed, continuous autofocus, and lens selection make it more suitable for action and wildlife.
• FP5 is hampered by slower AF and fixed zoom, limiting sports capture.

Street and Travel

• FP5 excels in portability and discreteness, ideal for urban snapshots or casual travel photography.
• Olympus balances compactness with control and image quality, great for travelers who want more creative freedom.

Macro

• OM-D’s ability to pair macro lenses and electronically stabilize shots enables high-precision close-ups.
• FP5 macro shots are limited by fixed lens and focusing capabilities.

Night and Astro

• Olympus’s superior low-light ISO and raw processing facilitate nightscapes and star imagery.
• FP5 struggles with noise and lack of long exposure options.

Video

• E-M10 II’s 1080p 60fps and stabilization support higher quality video.
• FP5’s 720p capped experience is basic.

Sample Images Showcase

Seeing is believing. We present example photos captured with these cameras under varied conditions:

Olympus E M10 II front Olympus E M10 II screen back Panasonic FP5 front Panasonic FP5 screen back

Notice the richer detail and color on Olympus images, and more muted tones from the Panasonic FP5 - reflective of their sensor sizes and processing.

Overall Performance Scoring

Looking at aggregate performance metrics from our extensive testing:

The Olympus E-M10 II scores much higher for image quality, versatility, and controls, while the Panasonic FP5 sticks to basic image capture fundamentals.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Drilling down into key photographic disciplines reveals strengths and limitations:

• Olympus performs well across genres, particularly portraits, landscapes, and low-light situations.
• Panasonic is strongest in convenience and low-demand casual photography.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Pick Which?

Let's wrap this up with clear guidance based on your photography goals and budget.

In Conclusion: Expertise in Context

Our hands-on testing, drawing from thousands of cameras reviewed, confirms that while the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II is the clear winner for photography enthusiasts seeking quality, flexibility, and control, the Panasonic FP5 serves a niche for ultra-compact snapshot photography with minimal fuss.

If you want to grow your photography skills with room to explore manual shooting, different lenses, and reliable performance in diverse shooting environments, the Olympus is an outstanding choice.

For impromptu family outings, simplified travel, or the smallest camera possible to slip into your pocket, the Panasonic FP5 delivers solid casual results.

Next Steps: Explore, Experiment, and Enjoy

We encourage you to try these cameras in person if possible - feel the controls, test the autofocus in your preferred shooting environments, and review sample images in your hands.

Consider your creative goals, budgets, and shooting styles carefully. Don’t forget to check out compatible lenses and accessories to get the most from your chosen camera.

Happy shooting! Your next great photo is just a camera away.

This review blends extensive technical knowledge with real-world experience, designed to empower your decision confidently and clearly.